Whether its virtual, hybrid or in-person, technology continues to be a critical element to the success of every large-scale professional event. If used correctly, it can also make event planners’ lives easier. Audiences expect to be blown away with engaging experiences and high production value. For conference and event organizers, this means investing in the right technology to save you time and money and cut down on inefficiency and errors. Here are the top 8 technology trends in event planning that you need to know.
1. CLOUD-BASED CONTENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Having to collect and organize content from a multitude of sources, ensure it is on-brand and then distribute it at precise times over a multi-day event can be an overwhelming task. A content management solution can help alleviate the pain points inherent in the planning and execution of a large-scale event. In a Cloud Based solution all content and presentations are stored locally and backed up on the cloud automatically during the event. This provides universal and immediate access to information for users and simplifies the process to keep your content organized. Cloud computing lets you make changes to plans and details for all your event managers from any internet accessible device.
MARQUEE by OVATION is an example of a cloud-based system that helps automate the event planning process. This centrally managed system collects and distributes content such as presentations and digital signage assets, automates session recordings, live-streams, and provides powerful analytics post-event.
2. TECH FORWARD BREAKOUT KITS
Using a tech forward breakout kit can help save time, money and manpower, as well as upgrade the user experience for every breakout session. Using a custom-built system will help ensures that your techs and engineers have everything needed to smoothly run the breakout sessions at events; from the simplest of setups, all the way to live, multi-camera sessions a custom-built box can help to elevate the breakout sessions of even the largest and most elaborate events while reducing transportation costs and lowering onsite labor costs.
3. AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY
Augmented and Virtual Reality (VR) are two of the biggest technology trends right now. They add a dose of futuristic “cool factor” and increase engagement like never before. Augmented reality is a hardware filter used with an image, sound, or effect on top of it. It’s most commonly used through apps on smartphones. An example of augmented reality are “filters” found on popular social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat.
Virtual reality is a totally immersive experience that requires a headset and sometimes a controller system to enjoy. Event planners can provide VR headsets on site to completely transform the event experience for attendees. The VR headsets allow you to produce 360-degree video presentations and interactive data visualizations to share with the whole audience simultaneously.
4. HOLOGRAMS
Another hot trend that can help you impress your audience are holograms. With holograms, you’re able to demonstrate products in a way that most people have never seen before providing a wow experience at your next event. Holograms, Holographic Projection, is actually a modern-day twist on an old theater illusion. In the 1860’s, Henry Dircks built on an existing illusion using light and glass, calling it “Dircksian Phantasmagorica”. Modern “Holograms” used in events, concerts, theater and exhibitions are a sophisticated application of the famous illusion. Instead of a sheet of glass and some lighting, high powered projection, transparent film, screens and some engineering go into pulling off the effect.
There are three types of holograms that are perfectly suited for corporate events. Reflection holograms, transmission holograms, and hybrid (a combination of both). This technology is a great way to achieve a fun, futuristic feel to your event without breaking the bank. The best part is that holograms fit nearly any venue type, size, and location.
5. LIVE STREAMING AND SIMULIVE
Live streaming has become an expected element of corporate events. Audiences demand high quality, uninterrupted streaming – especially those tuning in remotely. While nothing is ever easy and you should heavily lean on professionals to stream your event, the entire process is not as scary as it once was. However, with live streaming there are still some that may be risk averse.
Simulive is a great alternative to live streaming. Simulive alleviates many of the pressures of purely live streaming a large or multi day corporate event. Simulive allows you to pre-record your content in advance and play it at a specific day and time (as if it were a live session). You still get all the live interactions like chat, Q&A and reactions but also have control over making sure the quality is perfect.
Whether you live stream your content or use Simulive content specifically for your online audiences this trend allows you to easily pivot between virtual and hybrid events and allows you to reach more people by expanding the number of attendees.
6. CONTACTLESS CHECK-IN AND QR CODES
Contactless check-in software may sound complex, but it’s actually quite simple. Every attendee gets sent a QR code via text or email ahead of the event, which they scan for entry upon arrival. Contactless check-in not only enhances safety and health measures, but it’s also faster than traditional check-in procedures. QR codes are useful during the entire duration of an event, since they can also be used for sharing documents, handouts, links, or just about anything you think of. QR codes are incredibly popular because they don’t require a third-party app. Anyone with a cell phone can pull up their camera and they have access. QR codes put access and control directly into the hands of your audience.
7. MULTI-USE BRANDED EVENT APPS
Having a branded app for your event adds a heightened level of professionalism and polish. The best event apps allow for white labeling and full customization to design the app based on your brand colors, fonts, and logos. Attendees should be able to view the complete schedule, instantly see full speaker profiles, session topics, live stream links, venue maps, and showcased sponsors. Audiences can also network and ask questions within apps to increase engagement and get the most out of their experience.
Some of the best mobile event apps of 2022 are Cvent’s Crowd Compass, Webex Events, Whova, Attendify, Rainfocus and so many more.
8. EVENT GAMIFICATION
Gamification offers the perfect opportunity to include friendly competition into your events to drive engagement efforts and boost attendee connection. Leading event management platforms allow for customizable games so event planners can create challenges customized to their brand. Offering some irresistible prizes is a great way to ensure a high level of participation. Gamification in corporate event training helps make things more interesting for attendees and helps to avoid the snooze factor. It incentivizes and accelerates learning, encourages social connections, and motivates action in the workplace. Some of the top gamification platforms being used by companies are Scavify, the virtual scavenger hunt platform; Foursquare, the original social gamification website and Todoist, one of the many virtual productivity tools available today. In addition, many of the leading event app companies have gamification as part of their offering.
USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN EVENT PLANNING
Staying up to date on event technology trends and selecting the most valuable ones can give you a competitive advantage. When evaluating the newest event technologies, you want to choose the right ones to compliment your brand and correctly engage and entertain your attendees. Choosing the tech trends that work together seamlessly will help create that WOW experience and the best mix for success at your next event.
For over a decade, OVATION has been pushing the limits of event automation with innovative tech, focused on simplifying planning and organization, while delivering a seamless and efficient event experience.
Contact us today to learn more about we can help you amplify your next corporate event with cutting-edge technology, all while simplifying the planning and delivery process for you! www.ovationevents.com
